REPORT: Sheffield United U18 1-0 Coventry City U18 - City's U18s narrowly defeated in the National Championship Final

11 May 2017

Billie Marshall

The young Sky Blues fall just short after defeat against the Blades in Yorkshire...

Coventry City's Under-18s were narrowly defeated in the National Championship Final, losing out to Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

It was a cautious start to the contest, with both sides seemingly feeling their way into proceedings in the opening exchanges. The home side, with the early possession, forged the best opportunity of the first quarter, but Rhys Norrington-Davies' tame effort was easily saved by Konrad Skuza.

The Sky Blues began to grow into the game and had their first sighter through Kyle Finn. Captain Tom Bayliss' surging run from midfield set-up the attacking midfielder, but his effort from the edge of the box was deflected and eventually cleared.

Sheffield United continued to have the better of the contest and should have been ahead on the thirty minute mark. Norrington-Davies was again involved as his pinpoint cross found the head of Tyler Smith, who headed over unmarked from six-yards out.

The hosts' pressure finally told five minutes before the interval, as the Blades took the lead. Smith worked it well down the right-hand side, and when his cross was parried by Skuza, Jordan Hallam was on hand to find the bottom corner with the rebound.

The second half began in the same fashion, as Sheffield United continued to create chances. David Parkhouse was rewarded for his high intensity play, winning the ball back in an advanced area, but he was unable to poke the ball past the onrushing Skuza.

City responded well and shortly had their best spell in the contest. Firstly, Kyle Finn rose highest after a Chris Camwell pass but headed wide, before Finn mis-controlled when played through by Tom Bayliss, as the Sky Blues struggled to create anything clear cut.

The Blades came close to doubling their advantage fifteen minutes from time through Harvey Gilmour. The defender found space inside the box but his goalbound effort was headed behind superbly by Jak Hickman, denying a certain goal for the hosts.